Adenoviruses are a family of viruses that cause a variety of illnesses, including respiratory infections, conjunctivitis, gastroenteritis, and some types of meningitis. The duration of an adenovirus infection depends on the severity and type of the virus. Generally, symptoms of adenovirus infections can last from a few days to several weeks.
For mild respiratory infections, such as the common cold, symptoms can last for several days to a week or two. More severe respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, can last for several weeks or longer. Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is usually a mild infection that clears up in about 7 to 14 days. Gastroenteritis, or stomach flu, can last from a few days to a week or two. Meningitis, which is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord, is usually a more severe infection that can last for several weeks or longer.
In addition to the duration of the symptoms, it is important to note that an infected person can spread the virus to other people until their symptoms have completely cleared. Therefore, it is important for people with an adenovirus infection to practice good hygiene and avoid close contact with others until their infection has resolved.